Limpopo – Sixteen illegal miners were arrested in Limpopo – Sekhukhune and Waterberg district after being found in possession of unpolished Chrome and mining equipment yesterday.

The suspects, with ages ranging 26 between 41, were detained at Spitzkop, Botshabelo Hostel – Tukakgomo and Dwaalboom – Batavia Old Gold Mine in Thabazimbi as part of the ongoing Operation Vala Umgodi.

The police’s Vala Umgodi Task Team conducted a series of high-visibility patrols that resulted in the recovery of a firearm and several arrests were made as part of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, illicit firearms trafficking, and related criminal activity.

Spokesperson for the SAPS in the Limpopo Province Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said their first operation at Spitzkop Portions 06 and 07, police observed a white Ford Ranger LDV bakkie loading minerals believed to be Chrome. “When police cornered them, four men were found on site illegally mining Chrome and were arrested with immediate effect,” said Mashaba.

“Our intelligence also led us to Botshabelo Hostel at Tukakgomo village, where a hunting rifle, 303 calibre, with 20 rounds of ammunition was recovered. A 41-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the firearm, which was linked to a reported stolen firearm case at Krugersdorp Police Station. The suspect will be charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, with additional charges to be considered as investigations proceed,” she said.

The operation in Tukakgomo village led in nine illegal immigrants linked with illegal mining. They will be processed in terms of immigration-law processes.

“In Thabazimbi,” said Mashaba, “we have arrested a 33-year-old man after being found busy mining illegally and was also in the country illegally. Police confiscated mining equipment including a generator, hammer, electrical cords and chisel.”

“These police operations form part of the SAPS’s efforts to disrupt illegal mining, firearms trafficking, and immigration violations. The SAPS remains committed to putting an end to criminal networks involved in illegal mining, firearms trafficking, and immigration violations, and will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols and intelligence-driven operations to protect communities and uphold the law,” Mashaba said.

The arrested will appear in courts to face charges of illegal mining and being in the country illegally.